Senior Specialist, NASA Contracts

General Description

The Senior Specialist, NASA Contracts will lead Contract Management efforts in support of HSG's work with NASA and the NASA Environmental AND Medical Contract (NEMCON) portfolio, ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and the NASA FAR Supplement. Based on site at Kennedy Space Center, this role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented professional with a deep understanding of contract law, federal regulations, and industry best practices. A strong focus on process consistency, risk mitigation, and operational alignment is essential.

This position will work closely with the Program Management Office (PMO) and serve as a primary point of contact for the NASA Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), supporting the successful execution of program activities. The Contracts Manager will also collaborate with HSG's Director of Contracts to align strategies and maintain consistency across contracts management practices.

How You Will Fulfill Your Mission

Contract Administration & Compliance

Provide full lifecycle contract management including contract administration, subcontract administration, compliance monitoring, and closeout support.

Monitor contract performance metrics and ensure compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS and NASA-specific regulations.

Serve as HSG's primary point of contact with the NASA Contracting Officer, driving effective communication and strong collaborative relationships

Ensure the contracts function adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, particularly in government contracts.

Advise Sr. Management on contractual obligations and rights to protect the best interest of HSG.

Implement best practices in contract management, ensuring consistency across all aspects of the department while adapting to evolving business needs.

Prepare and review contractual documents including modifications, task orders, Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Teaming Agreements (TA's), and other agreements. Risk Management & Issue Resolution

Serve as the primary on-site contract liaison between the Program Management Office and NASA COR.

Support internal stakeholders and client-facing teams in interpreting and applying NASA-specific contract terms, ordering procedures, and compliance requirements. Proposal & Modification Support

Support cost and pricing activities, including proposal preparation and coordination with finance and pricing teams.

Guide negotiations with customers and subcontractors, ensuring that contracts align with company objectives and industry standards. Strategic Alignment & Collaboration

Collaborate with the Contracts Director to align with company-wide contracting strategies and maintain consistent policies and procedures.

Support business development efforts by reviewing, drafting, and negotiating terms for new opportunities. The duties and responsibilities described in this position description in no way state or imply that these are the only duties performed. This position may require that additional duties and responsibilities be performed.

Why We value You

You are able to work independently and show a high level of initiative and attention to detail.

You have a consistent character and do not yield to pressure to compromise or cut corners.

You have a strong ability to communicate effectively with superiors, colleagues, and customers by clearly expressing your intent and understanding the focus and purpose of the conversation while allowing each person to get their point across.

You are open to new ideas and innovations and can create modifications or changes in yourself to adapt or suit a new environment/situation.

You have faith in your own ideas and ability to be successful.

You hold yourself to the highest standard and work to inspire your team to produce quality work. Specific Knowledge/Certification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Contract Management, Law, or a related field and a minimum of 6 years of prior relevant experience(In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 10 years relevant prior experience.)

Extensive experience working with federal contracts, including knowledge of FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), DFAR (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement), and related regulatory requirements.

At least 4 years of experience in managing Cost Reimbursable, Time & Materials, and Firm Fixed Price contracts and/or subcontracts.

Proven track record in managing the full contract lifecycle, from proposal development to execution and close-out.

Strong understanding of contract law, regulations, and best practices, particularly in federal government contracting Preferred Qualifications

NCMA certification (e.g., CFCM, CCCM, or CPCM) (Or USG Equivalent).

Experience working directly with NASA COs or within NASA programs.

Knowledge of various contract types, including cost-reimbursable, firm fixed price, and performance-based contract structures

Ability to manage multiple contracts/subcontracts independently

Experience with negotiating terms and conditions with U.S. Government Customers and Subcontractors

Excellent communication skills and ability to clearly brief various stakeholders, including members of Sr. Management.

Experience leading and mentoring teams, with a focus on developing talent, optimizing team performance, and driving continuous improvement. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to walk, sit, or stand for extended periods of time; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear; have sufficient manual dexterity to operate a keyboard, calculator, telephone, and other such office equipment as necessary; may occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds or more with assistance. Specific visual abilities required by the job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.

Work Environment: This position is 100% onsite at Kennedy Space Center. Candidates must be able to report to the facility during regular business hours and support in-person meetings and contract reviews.

Travel: A low to moderate amount of travel away from office may be required.